Forest fire rages across Kashmir as springs dry up in Tral and Achabal, raising alarm over environmental crises

“We never imagined Dilnag spring would dry up like this —at one time this was our lifeline, and now it’s gone,” said a local resident.

Shabir Ahmad, a local resident and social activist, said, “We have never witnessed such a change in the Mughal Garden at Achabal drying up. This is the first time we are seeing such a disheartening scene.”

He said the spring has completely dried up, leading to a shortage of drinking water. “Our sins—how we are polluting the water bodies—along with a decline in rain and snowfall due to climate change, are the main reasons for this worsening situation,” he said.

When asked about the future situation, he said, “When water is not available, how can we irrigate our land? Both horticulture and agriculture depend on water, and this situation will have a severe impact. Shortages have already started in nearby areas, and people are suffering as they now rely on water tankers. It is time to unite and work together to preserve our water bodies from pollution.”

“Achabal Garden is our heritage, a part of our identity. Seeing it dry up is heartbreaking,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local resident. “If immediate action is not taken, we fear it may never be the same again.”

Experts attribute the crisis to rising temperatures, deficient rainfall, and depleting groundwater levels. “Climate change has altered precipitation patterns in Kashmir, affecting the natural springs that have sustained Achabal Garden for centuries,” Dr Masoon A Beig, a geographer, said, adding the reduction in snowfall and prolonged dry spells have further worsened the situation.

Gowhar Ahmad, AEE Jal Shakti Achabal, said that the Achabal spring catered to over a dozen villages, with as many as 15 water supply schemes depending on the source. However, after the spring dried up, the villages are now being served by tanker services.

He said that almost 80% of the area has been affected due to the drying up of the spring, as it was the primary source of drinking water. “We are sending tankers to the affected villages to ensure water supply,” he said.

Additionally, massive forest fires have erupted across Kashmir, with blazes reported in multiple districts, including Tral in Pulwama, Dadoo Marhama in Anantnag, and Kunan in Bandipora.

Dry conditions and human negligence have made forests highly susceptible to fires, with thick plumes of smoke visible from a distance. Officials and emergency teams are working to contain the flames as locals join efforts to prevent further damage. The extent of the destruction is still being assessed.

In Kulgam, a fire broke out in Banimullah forest, compartment number 27, yesterday evening, causing alarm among residents. The Forest Department responded swiftly, managing to contain the blaze before it could cause significant damage. Officials have urged locals to avoid fire-related activities in forested areas to prevent such incidents in the future.

Kashmir is currently experiencing a major precipitation deficit, with both rainfall and snowfall levels markedly below average. From January 1 to February 12, 2025, the region recorded a 79% rainfall deficit, receiving only 29.8 mm of precipitation compared to the normal 140 mm. Kathua district reported the highest deficiency at 97%, while Srinagar experienced an 82% shortfall.

The lack of snowfall has also been pronounced. In January 2025, the Kashmir Valley witnessed a 75% reduction in precipitation, with daytime temperatures averaging 6 degrees Celsius above normal. This decline in snowfall is attributed to weaker Western Disturbances and the effects of climate change, leading to concerns about water supply for agriculture and hydroelectric power.

The dry spell has raised alarms about impacts on agriculture, horticulture, and the overall water availability in the region.

 

(With inputs from agencies)